9 Gifts for the Geek in Your Life

‘Tis the season for holiday gifting. Here are a few suggestions for the geekier folks on your shopping list. Bonus: they can all be purchased from the comfort of your own couch (which means freedom from crowded stores, conversations, and pants).

3,000 Classic Books

Help out your favorite English Lit major and give them easy access to 3000 Classic Books, all on one USB drive. Reading on a computer screen isn’t for everyone, but a USB takes up way less shelf space than all the Norton Critical Editions. And it’s way more adorable.

Shakespearean Lip Balms

Need a stocking stuffer for a theater nerd (or avid Bardolatry listener)? This set of Shakespearean Lip Balms—in Shakespeare (Mint), Hamlet (Apple) and Macbeth (Orange) flavors—will help keep their lips moister than Ophelia’s final resting place.

Cthulhu Monster Knit Mask

Speaking of style, you probably know at least one person who can unironically pull off this Cthulhu Knit Mask. It’s a perfect way to keep your face warm and show that you’ve answered the call of the great Cthulhu. Also recommended for keeping catcallers and other unwanted conversationalists at bay.

Parallel Universe Print

Etsy really is a treasure trove of nerdy gifts—someone with more artistic talent than you has probably made the exact thing that you’re looking for. Maybe that thing is a framed print about parallel universes for that friend who won’t stop pondering the multiverse theory. You know the one.

Geeky Cookbooks

Of course, there’s always the novelty cookbook for when normal cooking isn’t enough. Some of us can barely boil water but others might enjoy understanding the science behind food. Or for the more fandom-friendly cook, there’s the option of cooking meals from Doctor Who,Game of Thrones, and even The Hunger Games (you know, because you don’t have to register for a death match in order to get extra sacks of grain).

Scented Candles

Another reality of the winter months is the overall lack of daylight, but that does mean candles aren’t just an indulgence but a way to add more light. Plus, scented candles smell yummy. Not to mention the fact that they make great gifts. Because who wouldn’t want a room to smell like Sherlock’s Study, Butterbeer, or that romance novel you can’t help but love?

Ugly Christmas Sweaters

And, last but not least, we must honor that most ridiculous of traditions, the Ugly Christmas Sweater. Gather ‘round the fireplace/tree/menorah/festivus pole and represent those classic holiday characters. Because nothing says Christmas quite like Batman.